Liberating Yorkshire supporter Wendy Hall sat down with the group’s founder, Philip Hardstone, earlier this year during a sunny afternoon stroll through Greenhead Park in Huddersfield. Their conversation offered a glimpse into the experiences and convictions that inspired him to launch the movement. This is what Wendy shared afterwards:

“Spending time with Philip Hardstone, founder of Liberating Yorkshire, was a real joy. Though his pace has slowed a little with the years, he’s a man brimming with warmth, wit, and conviction. What struck me most was the simplicity and strength of the idea that sparked Liberating Yorkshire: that real change begins when people are given the space to shape the future of their own communities.

Born in 1953 in Batley, West Yorkshire, Philip’s early life instilled in him a deep commitment to fairness, dignity, and local democracy. Decades spent in public service—including close work with tenant and resident groups—taught him just how much is possible when people are listened to and trusted. For Philip, it became clear: governance works best when it grows from the ground upwards.

That belief took root in 2024 as Liberating Yorkshire—a grassroots movement shaped by belonging, ecological responsibility, and the conviction that everyone deserves a voice in Yorkshire’s future. Philip’s journey is far from over. What he hopes for now is simple and bold: that together, we can build something just, lasting, and true to the Yorkshire spirit.”